Blair to reject blame for EU budget crisis
British Prime Minister Tony Blair will today reject French claims he was to blame for the collapse of the EU budget talks.
French president Jacques Chirac turned on the Prime Minister after he rejected two compromise proposals aimed at securing a deal.
Mr Blair will today make a statement to MPs on the failed talks in which he is expected to underline his insistence that he had no choice as the proposals would have meant Britain losing its £3bn-a-year (€4.5bn) EU rebate, but without tackling the EU’s farm subsidies.
Mr Blair’s Commons appearance comes just days before he is due to fly back out to Brussels to address the European Parliament on his plans for Britain’s presidency of the EU.
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw yesterday said the current debacle was “the worst crisis” he had encountered in Government.
But he said it also presented an opportunity for Britain to lead the way in making vital reforms to the EU.
“It’s certainly a crisis,” he told the BBC.
“It’s the worst crisis that I’ve seen during my four years as Foreign Secretary, indeed my more than eight years as a member of this Government.
“But crises can either turn into disasters if you do nothing about them or they can turn into cathartic opportunities and I believe that we both have a duty and an opportunity here to turn it into a catharsis from which greater good comes.”
Following the collapse of the talks on Friday, Mr Chirac described Britain’s stance on the budget as “pathetic and tragic”.
There are now fears the crisis could overshadow the G8 summit, with reports Mr Chirac is planning to snub Mr Blair by turning up the day after the Gleneagles talks get under way.
| Related Stories: |
|
